Vitor Belfort: “I Deserve a Title Shot”

Although some fans have closed the book on Vitor Belfort’s chances of securing another UFC belt, since he was violently added to Anderson Silva’s “greatest hits” highlight reel in 2011, the 36 year-old vet is hoping to prove them wrong.

After all, since that defeat, and his submission loss to light-heavyweight champ Jon Jones aside, Belfort has been making some noise in the middleweight division. As a result of “The Phenom’s” wins over Yoshihiro Akiyama, Anthony Johnson, and Michael Bisping, Belfort believes another title shot could be en route, if he beats Luke Rockhold, May 18th.

While speaking to Bleacher Report.com, the feared striker stated that although he’s not calling out anyone he’s lost to before, he’s feeling great and that “I think I deserve a title shot” on account of his aforementioned wins.

Of course, beating the former Strikeforce champ Luke Rockhold won’t be an easy task, and even if Belfort does secure the win, Silva has to fight Chris Weidman on July 6th. If Silva continues his reign, will there be enough public demand for a rematch with Belfort? Probably not, even though Belfort is currently ranked #2 in the UFC middleweight division, the calls will be much more louder for a super fight between Silva and Jones. If Belfort puts Rockhold away in dominant fashion though, and the scheduling chips fall in his favor, anything’s possible.

UFC on FX 8 goes May 18th and will take place in Jaragua do Sul in Brazil. Rockhold vs. Belfort should be fantastic.